Friends and Colleagues of Caroline,
We would like to thank all of you who throughout Caroline’s illness sent her cards, emails, presents and prayers. Each and every one meant a lot to her and provided a valuable source of strength and support.
We would also like to thank you for the cards and emails that you have sent to us since Caroline’s passing. The respect for and affection towards Caroline reflected in your messages has helped ease the deep sadness we hold.
The Vice-Chancellor has kindly proposed that the University host a memorial service to mark Caroline’s life and we, her family, are pleased to support this. We have requested that this be arranged for sometime in the new year or early Spring and so enable a spirit of celebration of Caroline’s life to blossom alongside the feelings of loss.
The Vice-Chancellor will also set up an annual studentship in Caroline’s name for students from Africa to study at the University of Southampton. Caroline knew of this before her passing and was in full agreement. We feel it to be a fitting tribute to her life’s work at Southampton and thank the University for this legacy.
In all the letters and messages that we have received, one theme stands out, that of Caroline’s quiet kindness. So many of us think kind thoughts only to see them lost in the noise of busy lives. Caroline instinctively showed her kindness. May we suggest that reflection upon this be Caroline’s legacy to each of us.
Steve, Alia and Steve.